Design Q&A with Kate & Jason Maine of Maine Design

Talk about a design love story! Jason and Katie met while working for storied designer Michael S. Smith — Jason was the Studio Director and Katie was a designer. Filtering Michael's meticulous attention to details, sense of balance and history through their own lens, they've put their own spin on American melting pot traditional for a look that is clean, modern, and simple, yet never dull.

What is your favorite design moment (house, restaurant, building, public space) in Los Angeles?
Jason: Richard Neutra’s Lowell House in Los Feliz.
Katie: I’d have to say Marvimon House. It’s an old Italian racecar showroom where we got married.

Let’s pretend you have $400 to update a 250 square foot space — how do you spend it?
Jason: Definitely paint. It's the most cost effective way to make the biggest impact.

Tell us a little bit about your window for LCDQ's (La Cienega Design Quarter) Legends of La Cienega event?
Katie & Jason: We actually have two windows at Michael S. Smith's store Jasper, so we’re doing one inspired by the past and one inspired by the future of design. Our “past” window is a modern take on an homage to design masters like Serge Roche and Giacometti, while our “future” window will have an emphasis on the new wave of decorative artists, such as David Wiseman. We’re really excited and grateful to be participating this year.

What 5 things would you put in a time capsule? (NOTE: The theme of this year's LCDQ event is Time Capsule: The Past, Present and Future of Design).
Jason & Katie: All our favorite things — an iPod loaded with the best music, Oliver Peoples sunglasses, La Croix sparkling water, Le Labo Santal 26 candles, and Stumptown cold brewed coffee.

What period of history would you most like to have lived in?
Jason: The 30s, because of designers like Pierre Chareau.
Katie: The 70s, hands down. Give me some Pierre Cardin any day!

What would you bring with you if you were time traveling?
Katie: A notebook and a good pen to record all of my inspirations.

What 5 things do you recommend keeping on hand for unexpected guests?
Jason: Snacks — especifically junk food. Our only unexpected guests are all under the age of 10!

What’s your biggest design or home-related indulgence?
Jason: Great sheets and bedding.
Katie: And a really good mattress!

What’s your favorite home from a movie or tv show?Jason: Villa Necchi Campiglio from “I Am Love”. Italians do it best!

What do you love most about LA?Katie: I grew up here, so LA is my home. My favorite thing about it is that my whole family is here, and I get to see them all the time.

What’s your favorite cheap design trick or tip?
Jason: Stay organized!
Katie: Change out the pillows and throws in a room for a quick, inexpensive makeover.

To learn more about Jason and Katie and see more of their work, click here. To learn more about the La Cienega Design Quarter Legends of La Cienega event, which begins May 7th in Los Angeles, click here.